YOU ARE HERE: THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY

Königliche Sternwarte (Royal Observatory) built “am Halleschen Thor” (at the Gate to Halle) in 1832-1835 and designed by Berlin´s über-architect, Karl Friedrich Schinkel.

The building was demolished in August 1913 after the new observatory in Potsdam took over its duties and part of its equipment.

At the spot where the observatory used to stand a new street was built, Enckestrasse. It was named after Johann Franz Encke, the first director of the then “new” Königliche Sternwarte and a protegee of Friedrich Bessel, after whom the neighbouring Besselstrasse and Besselpark were later named.

Today the same spot is used by children making use of the playground installed there some time ago and by the star-gazers visiting the place on summer nights. The view of the sky is as back then: magnificent.

Well, it is not perfect if you wish for the complete darkness and only the shining stars above you:) But I love the city halo. As long as it not blue. Or green. And around Enckestrasse it really is extremely pretty: since there are hardly any high buildings there and the streets lights are not blinding you, this is quite perfect:)